20 Different Types of Willow Trees
A Willow is a member of the Salicaceae family. Willow trees are found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America but are native to China. The many types of willow trees across the world are found in temperate climates that offer both direct sunlight and ample moisture. There are so many trees all over the world, and the willow is just one.
Willow trees are associated with mysticism. Legend notes that witch’s brooms were constructed from the branches of a willow tree. In addition, willow trees are symbolic of rebirth and immortality in China. Other cultures use the willow tree as symbolism for grief. Willow trees will often be found near a lake or pond and often as an ornamental addition to a park or garden.
1. The Musk Willow is native to Western Asia but cultivated across the globe.
The Musk Willow (Salix aegyptiaca L.), which is also known as the Persian Willow, is one of the fast-growing types of Willow Trees. This type of willow prefers well-drained but moist soil, with full sun to light shade. The Musk Willow flowers during the winter season. The flowers of this willow attract pollinating insects but do not attract either rabbits or deer. Musk Willows grow to about 13 feet in height but may be as wide as 16 feet. The preferred hardiness zones for this willow run from 5a to 9a.
2. The Peachleaf Willow is a fast-growing willow with a short-lived lifespan for a willow.
The Peachleaf Willow (Salix amygdaloide) is simple to identify as its foliage resembles that of a peach tree – longer and slender leaves. Peachtree Willow trees grow to 40 feet and may have one or several trunks. These types of willow trees will generally grow near a reliable water source, like a pond or a stream, or a low plains area.
3. The Babylon Willow is also known as the famous Weeping Willow.
The Babylon Willow (Salix babylonica L.) is also known as the Silver Willow. This fast-growing tree grows to heights of 40 feet and can be equal in its width. The Weeping Willow has pendulous branches that grow towards the ground. The leaves of the Babylon Willow are light green on top and grayish color on its underside. The Babylon Willow prefers full sunlight and moist, acidic soil and is the first to leaf out when spring arrives.
4. The Goat Willow is a small deciduous type of tree that grows to a maximum height of 25 – 30 feet.
The Goat Willow (Salix caprea L.), which can be known as the Pussy Willow, is native to Western Asia and Europe. The Goat Willow grows well in cooler North American climates as long as there is moist soil. The Goat Willow’s leaves are oval, which is unusual for the willow species. This is one of the easiest types of willow trees to grow, and the Goat Willow can live up to 30 years.
5. The White Willow is named to reflect the whitish color of its leaves’ undersides.
The White Willow (Salix alba L.) is among the largest types of willow trees. The White Willow can grow to heights that exceed 80 feet. The bark of the White Willow tends to be a brownish-grey that develops fissures as it ages. The White Willow is dioecious, which means female and male flowers grow on separate trees of the White Willow. The leaves are slender but oval-shaped, with silky hair covering their underside.
6. The American Pussy Willow contains salicin, a natural pain reliever used by Native Americans.
The American Pussy Willow (Salix discolor), also known as the Glaucous Willow, is one of the narrower types of Willow Trees. This willow grows to about 20 feet and has multiple trunks characterized by scaly bark that is a dark gray. Early in the year – in February or March, this willow variety bursts buds that expose soft and silky hair that attracts butterflies. The Glaucous Willow is a fast-growing but short-lived type of willow tree.
7. The Arctic Willow has adapted to survive harsh Artic conditions.
The Arctic Willow (Salix artica), also known as the Rock Willow, is found in the tundra of North America – from Alaska to northern sections of Canada. These types of willow trees grow to just over one foot in height but tend to have trailing roots and branches. The roots are shallow, which makes them susceptible to damage and the Arctic Willow has a short growing season due to the frigid conditions in which it lives.
8. The Beaked Willow is a fast-growing shrubby tree that is highly durable.
The Beaked Willow (Salix bebbiana), also known as the Gray Willow or Bebb’s Willow, is a multiple-stemmed shrub that can grow to 25 feet in height. The Beaked Willow generally grows in moist places that may include the edges of lakes, ponds, wet meadows, and swamps, among others. The Beaked Willow is dioecious as it has male and female flowers that grow on separate plants.
9. The Grey Willow produces a lot of nectar that is used by a variety of pollinators.
The Grey Willow (Salix cinerea L.), which is also known as the Rusty Sallow or Common Sallow, is one of the types of willow trees that can grow just about anywhere, even those spots where other trees and plants would be challenged to survive. The leaves of the Grey Willow are oval and are about 3. 5 inches long and often wider than long. The dark brown and gray bark of the Grey Willow becomes fissured with age and contains the chemical tannin, which helps with digestion.
10. The Sandbar Willow is native to North America- from northern Canada to the southwestern U.S.
The Sandbar Willow (Salix exigua) is a slender shrub that grows upright in thickets by spreading out its roots. This type of willow can grow to a height of 30 feet. The leaves of the Sandbar Willow are long and narrow and are generally 2 to 6 inches. The flowers of the Sandbar Willow appear in May and June. This type of willow is most often found growing on mud flats, floodplains, and sandbars. The Sandbar Willow is a drought-resistant tree that can help prevent natural erosion.
11. The Dwarf Willow is among the smallest woody plants across the globe.
The Dwarf Willow (Salix herbacea L.), also known as the Snowbed Willow or the Least Willow, is a type of willow that grows along the North Atlantic coast. This small willow grows to heights of only 2.5 inches. The Dwarf Willow lives in subarctic and Arctic conditions, staying close to the ground to avoid harsh cold winds. Its broad leaves are adapted to take in the most sunshine when available.
12. The Arroyo Willow tends to grow in wet zones, canyons, and marshes.
The Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) is native to the western sections of North America and grows in great abundance across California. The Arroyo Willow prefers wet areas, growing near marshes, scrubs, and other riparian areas, but can grow in elevations up to 7,000 feet. If planted in a garden, the soil in which the Arroyo Willow is planted must be kept moist.
13. The Korean Willow has a twisted trunk which makes it not appropriate for timber.
The Korean Willow (Salix pierotii) is native to far eastern Russia, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and northeastern China. The Japanese culture uses this type of willow tree to demarcate lines between farm properties. The Korean Willow can grow to more than 25 feet. The Korean Willow is deciduous and does best when planted in a sunny area with fresh, moist soil.
14. The Red Willow grows along river banks, preferring high-moisture soil.
The Red Willow (Salix laevigata), which is also known as the Polished Willow, is mostly found growing near creeks, rivers, and other riparian locations. The Red Willow grows quickly and can reach fifty feet in only ten years. The leaves of this willow are about 4 inches long but drop during the winter. The flowers of the Red Willow, which show up in spring and winter, can be yellow, red, or cream. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this type of willow tree.
15. The Black Willow is the largest of the North American willow species.
The Black Willow (Salix nigra), which is also known as the Swamp Willow, can grow to sixty feet in height. This willow tree often has multiple trunks growing out of a solitary root – all growing at different angles. The lower Mississippi valley is home to some of the nation’s most extensive ranges of Black Willows. Black Willows are noted to be the lightest of all the hardwoods in the eastern United States.
16. Humbolt’s Willow is grown for Sweden’s energy production and consumption.
Humbolt’s Willow (Salix humboltiana), also known as a Pencil Willow, is one of the types of willow trees that is native to South and North America. This willow can be either a deciduous tree or an evergreen tree, depending on the climate in which it is located. Humbolt’s Willow can grow to heights that exceed 80 feet. Its bark is gray and brown with deep fissures that deepen with age. This willow can grow in elevations up to 10,000 feet.
17. The Almond Willow is native to Western/Central Asia as well as Europe.
The Almond Willow (Salix tiandra L.), which may be known as the Black Maul Willow, is often found growing near the edges of marshes, ponds, and rivers, among other riparian areas. The Almond Willow is a deciduous tree and can grow to nearly 30 feet at a fast clip. The flowers of the Almond Willow tree appear from March until May. This type of willow tree is known for attracting wildlife.
18. The Scouler’s Willow is dioecious, with female and male flowers on distinct and different trees.
The Scouler’s Willow (Salix scouleriana) is also called the Nutall Willow, Fire Willow, or Mountain Willow. This willow variety can grow to heights of 50 feet at a relatively fast growth rate. Its roots are fibrous and spread out wide. The Scouler’s Willow prefers full sun and moderate moisture. It is often found in butterfly and bird gardens; however, its native habitat is usually open meadows.
19. The Indian Willow prefers to grow in swampy locations in southern Asia from India to Thailand and Pakistan and beyond.
The Indian Willow (Salix tetrasperma) grows in wet and swampy places in various parts of south and southeastern Asia. The flowers of the Indian Willow are eaten in northeastern India, cooked and served with boiled, mashed potatoes. The bark of this willow is rough and develops vertical and deep fissures as the tree ages. The Indian Willow sheds its leaves at the end of the monsoon season. The leaves of this willow grow to nearly six inches.
20. The Safsaf Willow is a tall, graceful willow that is native to South Africa.
The Safsaf Willow (Salix mucronate), which is commonly known as the Cape Silver or Evergreen Willow, can “withstand both drought and frost.” The Safsaf Willow can reach heights over 40 feet and may be deciduous or evergreen, depending on the tree’s location. The branches of this willow, like others, tend to droop. The bark of the Safsaf Willow tree is greenish-red when young but becomes dark and fissured as the tree ages. This willow tends to grow near rivers but can be damaged by flood events. It is noted that traditional medicine utilizes the Safsaf Willow for a variety of purposes. Its leaves contain a natural flavonoid with remarkable and unique antioxidant properties.
Which of the North American types of Willow Trees is the largest?
The Black Willow (S. nigra) is among the tallest types of Willow Trees in North America, measuring up to 65 feet or more.
Why is the Weeping Willow found in cemeteries in Turkey and China?
Symbolically, the Weeping Willow is deemed to represent extreme or profound grief, so it is used to honor those emotions in places where people are most likely to feel grief.
